Anyone born in Australia between 1966 and 1992 is encouraged to have a top-up measles vaccination because it is likely they had only one dose of the vaccine as a child.
Measles can cause serious illness and there is currently an outbreak in Melbourne with local transmission from unknown sources.
A free top-up MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine is available for all Victorians from GPs and pharmacies.
In children, measles can cause serious illness, including pneumonia and brain swelling.
Everyone needs two vaccine doses to be fully protected. If you or your child has missed a vaccine dose, you can catch up at any time.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect youself and others,” said the Acting Director of the South East Public Health Unit, Dr Simon Crouch. “If you don’t know if you’ve had two doses, visit your GP or pharmacy for a catch-up dose. The vaccine is safe and free.”
Information on how to access your immunisation history can be found here.
“If you were born overseas you may have missed out on two doses of the MMR vaccine. You can catch up on missed vaccinations at any time,” Dr Crouch said.
Those born before 1966 do not need to be vaccinated. This group is regarded as already exposed to the disease and is likely to have natural immunity.
Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine. This is especially important for anyone planning on travelling to South-East Asia, including Indonesia and Vietnam.
Measles can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose and throat secretions, as well as contaminated surfaces and objects. The measles virus can stay in the environment for up to 2 hours.
Symptoms of measles can initially resemble a cold or flu, and include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red rash.